Captain's Log 2014

2014 - Exploring before buying. All alone.

I was ready to buy Hull Island but had a few lingering doubts.. Was there a decent buildable site? Were there any hidden problems hiding on the island? A hazardous waste dump?  I wanted to go back and take a closer look before buying.  This time all by myself for two nights.
Don seemed pleased to see me back.  Maybe the American guy is serious??  I've learned a ton about the area in just a few trips back and forth with Don.  History, people, seasons, animals, wildlife, places are all part of the 1 1/2 hour taxi ride from Port McNeill to Hull and back on his safe and fast aluminum boat.
I decided to camp at the top of the island and once again was plagued by too much to carry. Still haven't perfected the weight!

First Hull cooking tools

Alone at the top of the island cooking over a small fire in the pitch black woods was exhilarating.  Sleeping in the tent listening to the noises and wondering if or when a bear might try and attack was scary.  I was protected only by my machete, a kitchen knife and my endurance.  I was so mentally and physically exhausted that I quickly fell asleep and all my worries abated.  

In the morning, I was scared nearly shitless when awoken by a huge animal thrashing through the woods.  I grabbed my knives and looked out just in time to see a very large deer or elk rushing by.   Thank God it wasn't a grizzly.  

First campsite on an old logging trail

I spent the next day trying to circumnavigate the island along the shoreline.  From the west side I got as far as the high cliff area at the southern tip and had to climb up a pretty steep rock face.  Lots of adrenaline pumping as I thought about falling backwards down the cliff into the icy ocean.  All alone heightens one's senses.
I made it up the cliff and explored the 1 mile spine of the island in a trial of endurance and exploration.  Along the way, I encountered incredible nurse logs, trees, and sights of nature large and small.  I was now 100% certain that buying Hull Island was worth the effort.  I would be the caretaker of this beautiful forest and pristine surroundings.  I called Ed Handja from BC Coastal Properties and made the offer.  We're buying an island and dreaming of paradise!